KR20170117139A - An assembly of connected terminals for programming and management of the selection of functions - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (1), said assembly (1) being at least a first communication protocol (P1) capable of connecting a main terminal to a communication network (100) The terminal is designed to use at least one configuration program (PCONF) and the configuration program (PCONF) enables to select at least one preferential function (FCTi) and to generate a code (CODEi) indicative of the selected preferential function And a main terminal (T1) having a communication module (14) using the first communication protocol (P1) and the second communication protocol (P2) (20) having a passive communication module (20) using a second communication protocol (P2) for communicating with the main terminal And a secondary terminal (T2).

Description

An assembly of connected terminals for programming and management of the selection of functions

The present invention relates to an assembly comprising the main terminal with a communication module using at least a first and a second communication protocol capable of connecting a main terminal to a communication network enabling the use of at least one function, Here, the main terminal is arranged to use at least one program for the configuration of the secondary terminal.

Portable connected devices that allow operation of several functions are known. One type of portable device used is a mobile phone with a communication module that can use several communication protocols such as WiFi protocol, Bluetooth protocol or NFC protocol as well as mobile communication (3G, 4G, LTE ...) to be. These mobile phones can be used to perform so-called linked functions such as contactless payment, electronic ticketing or contactless access.

However, a disadvantage of this type of operation is that the mobile phone needs to be active. In fact, this generally operates as a battery, so that when the battery is discharged, so-called connected functions are disabled.

Other types of connected devices are those that are used for contactless payment. Such a device consists of a clock in which the integrated electronic circuit (chip) specified for the payment function is arranged therein. Such a payment chip may be provided by a sponsoring financial institution, which is then inserted into a particular slot of the product, or the blank chip is placed directly on the product and then programmed by a financial institution.

Thus, the fact that having a payment chip inserted in the slot has the disadvantage of a possible loss of seal, while the fact that the chip is programmed by a financial institution involves considerable logistics management, Because it must be sent, thus causing delays before the buyer can use it.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a portable connected device which is always available and simple to program.

To this end, the invention relates to an assembly, said assembly being at least a first communication protocol capable of connecting a main terminal to a communication network enabling the use of at least one function, said main terminal comprising at least one configuration program And wherein the configuration program enables the at least one preferred function to be selected and a code representing the selected preferred function to be generated, wherein the communication module using the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol And at least one secondary terminal having a passive communication module using a second communication protocol to communicate with the main terminal to store a code representing a selected preferred function, , Wherein the secondary terminal Is activated so that the passive communication module is awakened and activated by an external power source from another terminal which also uses the second communication protocol and if the secondary terminal is within the communication range of such another terminal, And to transmit commands to these other terminals independently of the main terminal.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the terminal with which the secondary terminal communicates is the main terminal.

In a second advantageous embodiment, the terminal with which the secondary terminal communicates is a tertiary terminal equipped with a communication circuit using a second communication protocol.

In a third advantageous embodiment, the terminal with which the secondary terminal communicates is a secondary terminal, and an auxiliary terminal equipped with an active communication circuit using the second communication protocol is used as the arbiter.

In a fourth advantageous embodiment, the secondary terminal communicates with another secondary terminal, wherein each secondary terminal is equipped with an additional supply circuit for the passive communication module.

In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the preferred function is an information display function.

In the sixth beneficial embodiment, the preferred function is an application launch function.

In the seventh beneficial embodiment, the preferred function is an action launch function (access, door opening ...).

In another advantageous embodiment, the first communication protocol is a protocol selected from the list including, among other things, Bluetooth, GSM, EDGE, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, HSPA, xDSL or WiFi protocols.

In another advantageous embodiment, the second communication protocol is any protocol that can be used in a passive communication module.

In another advantageous embodiment, the second protocol is an NFC protocol.

In another advantageous embodiment, the main terminal is a terminal comprising display devices and control devices and selected from the following list: mobile phone or smart phone, computer or laptop, tablet or any device capable of using the configuration program.

In another advantageous embodiment, the secondary terminal is a terminal selected from the list comprising a watch, a wristband, an accessory, a clip-on pin or other type of wristband.

In another advantageous embodiment, the secondary terminal comprises display devices and control devices.

In another advantageous embodiment, the terminal performing the preferred function may be any device with a communication circuit using a second communication protocol, wherein the communication circuit is connected to the device < RTI ID = 0.0 > As shown in FIG.

In another advantageous embodiment, the secondary terminal and the main terminal are of the same type to form a single terminal, wherein the single terminal thus comprises at least a communication module using a first protocol and a passive communication circuit using a second communication protocol .

The invention also relates to a method for managing the preferred functions of an assembly, said assembly comprising at least first and second communication protocols capable of connecting a main terminal to a communication network enabling the use of at least one function The main terminal being arranged to use at least one configuration program, the assembly comprising at least one secondary terminal having a passive communication module using a second communication protocol, , ≪ / RTI >

The method comprising:

- using the main terminal to connect to the communication network via the configuration program;

Selecting at least one preferred function through the configuration program;

Generating a code representing the selected preferred function;

- transmitting such code using the communication module of the main terminal to indicate a preferred function selected as a memory area of the communication circuit of the secondary terminal.

In an advantageous embodiment, after transmission of a code indicative of a preferred function selected as a memory area of the communication circuit of the second terminal, the method further comprises, when the secondary terminal is accessed by a terminal equipped with a communication circuit using a second communication protocol And transmitting a command associated with the preferred function to allow the terminal receiving such a command to perform the function.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic view of a first embodiment of an assembly according to the invention.
Figure 3 shows a specific case of the first embodiment of the assembly according to the invention.
Figures 4 and 5 show a schematic view of a second embodiment of an assembly according to the invention.
6 shows a modification of the second embodiment.

The present invention is schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Such an assembly 1 first includes a main terminal T1. This main terminal includes an arithmetic logic unit 11 for managing control devices 13 such as display devices 12, such as an LCD screen, and touch or other keys. The arithmetic logic unit 11 is also used to manage the communication module 14.

The communication module 14 includes transmission and reception circuitry having at least two separate communication interfaces 14a, 14b and at least one antenna 14c, wherein each interface uses a communication protocol. For example, the first interface 14a may use a first protocol P1 such as Bluetooth, GSM, EDGE, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, HSPA, xDSL or WiFi, while the second interface 14b may use NFC or more In general, a second protocol P2, such as RFID, will be used. Of course, it is possible for the communication module to have another interface using the WiFi type protocol.

The main terminal T1 may be in the form of a mobile phone or a computer or a touch screen tablet or the like.

The communication module 14 of the main terminal T1 allows access to the communication network 100. [ Such a network may be, for example, the Internet or an internal network. This communication network 100 allows the user to access a certain number of functions FCTi. One type of function (FCTi) is an information function. This information function (FCTi) allows a user to access a large amount of information, i.e. access specialized pages such as Internet sites, or to retrieve information accordingly. Fig. 2 shows that the program (PCONF) allows access to four functions (FCT1, FCT2, FCT3 and FCT4).

Of course, for example, a payment function that allows a user to pay for goods, or a personalized access based on a configuration or paid manner, such as a user's configuration of his / her car or his / There are other functions (FCTi), such as configuration functions, which enable programming the hotel configuration.

Thus, the main terminal Tl is then arranged to use the configuration program PCONF via the display devices 12 and control devices 13. Such a configuration program PCONF may be an application that acts as a coordinator between the main terminal T1 and the communication network 100 and is installed directly on the main terminal or a program that is directly implanted in the communication network 100. [ The main terminal is therefore a device that can use the configuration program.

The configuration program (PCONF) may be provided as a single interface to all functions or as a kernel that can be integrated onto different platforms. For example, hotel reservation sites or payment sites may be provided with such a configuration program. In addition, it is possible that the user is able to connect via a password, or a connection can be made via the identifier linked to the main terminal T1 or the serial number of the terminal T1 or even the telephone number of the terminal T1 if this is a mobile phone .

This configuration program (PCONF) is thus used by the user so that he / she can make the selection. This selection is performed to collect items of information that are of interest to the user. The items of these information may be the configuration of functions or devices such as opening his / her public transit subscription, weather information, news or sports results, or also payment possibilities or security statements.

Once the selection is made, the configuration program (PCONF) compiles these different functions to generate a code (CODEi) or key representing the choice.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the assembly 1 additionally comprises a secondary terminal T2. This secondary terminal T2 includes at least a communication module 20 having an interface using a protocol that can allow signals to be transmitted for communication between the secondary terminal T2 and the main terminal T1 . The protocol used will preferably be the same as the second protocol P2 used by the second interface 14b of the main terminal T1. The communication module thus includes a transmitting and receiving circuit 21, a memory area 22 for storing information, and an antenna 23. [ The communication module 20 of the secondary terminal, i. E. The emitter-receiver circuit 21, is preferably passive, i. E. The power required for its operation is supplied externally by a device communicating therewith. Advantageously, as a result of this, there are no concerns about any autonomic problems, and it can still function even if the secondary terminal T2 experiences a power failure.

Advantageously, the invention consists in transmitting a code or key indicative of a selection to the memory zone (22) of the communication module (20) of the main terminal (T1). This transmission is accomplished by a signal using a communication protocol P2 that is common to the main terminal T1 and the secondary terminal T2.

Therefore, the secondary terminal T2 can communicate with another terminal, called a tertiary terminal T3, equipped with the communication module 30 fitted with the interface using the same protocol as the secondary terminal T2 Power is applied to the passive communication circuit 20 of the secondary terminal T2. Following this power supply, the memory zone 22 can be awakened and accessed to enable the data associated with the selection to be transmitted by the signal to the tertiary terminal T3. The secondary terminal T2 is therefore independent of the main terminal T1 so that once the code or key representing the selection is transmitted to the memory area 22 of the communication module 20 of the main terminal T2, Because it no longer has a need for a main terminal.

Not all data is transmitted, but they are selectively transmitted according to certain conditions depending on the function. In fact, some terminals have only a single function such as payment terminals or electronic ticketing, while mobile phones or terminals such as touch screen tablets or computers can perform several functions. In this way, the tertiary terminal T3 communicating with the secondary terminal T2 transmits an identification code for the functions that the tertiary terminal can perform.

In response to the inquiry signal, the secondary terminal T2 transmits a control signal instructing the tertiary terminal T3 to perform compatible functions.

When such a tertiary terminal is used for electronic ticketing, the secondary terminal T2 will transmit a command associated with the previously purchased and stored electronic ticket or subscription.

When such a tertiary terminal is used for information, the secondary terminal T2 transmits a command associated with the user's preferred information such that the tertiary terminal T3 searches for and displays the information. Such information can be directly included in the tertiary terminal T3 as time, or even taken out through a communication network such as the Internet.

When the tertiary terminal is used to configure other devices, the secondary terminal T2 transmits a configuration command so that the tertiary terminal T3 configures the desired device.

Finally, when such another terminal is used to run applications, the secondary terminal T2 sends an associated command to activate the application or applications.

When receiving the query, the secondary terminal T2 transmits all stored codes and the tertiary terminal T3 activates only the associated functions FCTi for those it recognizes.

The tertiary terminal T3 may be of the same type as the main terminal T1, i. E. In the form of a mobile phone or a computer or a touch screen tablet. However, it is also possible to use any device with the communication module 30 using the second protocol P2, for example a home automation control (PC), in which a communication peripheral is connected via, for example, a USB or RS232 or HDMI connection or otherwise, It may be any device 40 to which the external communication circuit 41 is connected via a wire connection 42 such as a panel.

It may be provided that the secondary terminal can communicate with the same type of terminal using another terminal as can be shown in Fig. In fact, since the secondary terminal T2 is provided with the passive communication module 20, communication between the two second terminals T2 can not be directly performed. For this reason, there is a need for another terminal, such as the main terminal T1, or another terminal that uses an active communication circuit, that is, another terminal that supplies power to itself. An accessory known as the term NFC booster or additional power supply is also available for temporarily connecting two terminals T2 together.

In the first embodiment, the secondary terminal T2 is a separate device permanently worn by the user.

According to the first solution, the secondary terminal is a clock. Such a watch includes a case and a wrist strap, wherein the case is fitted with an electronic or mechanical movement and display devices and control devices. The communication module 20 may be integrated into a wristwatch or case, for example. The communication circuit can, of course, be incorporated into a watch glass or a watchband buckle.

According to the second solution, the secondary terminal may be an item of jewelry, such as a wristband, clip-on pin or necklace or brooch. The necklace may be in the form of a pendant or chain in which the communication circuitry will be arranged. In the case of a wristband, the display devices may be provided, for example, to indicate that the wristband is active.

In the second embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the main terminal and the secondary terminal are of the same type and form a single terminal. In this case, the secondary terminal thus comprises display devices 27, control devices 26 and an arithmetic logic unit 25 for controlling the power supply devices. The communication module 20 of the secondary terminal T2 also includes an antenna 24a that allows direct access to the communication network 100 via the configuration program PCONF and an interface 24 that uses the communication protocol P1 It may be provided. In Figure 5, for example, the watch T2 includes control devices 26, such as an LCD screen 27, touch-sensitive keys 26a and buttons 26b, and a GSM or Bluetooth Or a WiFi module or the like. This configuration enables the selection of preferences to be stored directly in the device that the user wears at all times.

As a result, if the user is within the range of another terminal capable of communicating with the passive communication module of the secondary terminal T2, the desired functions FCTi may be activated.

In the modification of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the secondary terminal T2 can be used in a community environment. Accordingly, the administrator can use the configuration program via the management terminal to list the second terminals T2 within the communication range according to the first protocol and to transmit codes indicative of at least one function to each of them, May be different for each detected secondary terminal T2. For example, in the case of a hotel application, it may be conceivable to award privileges in terms of free access to certain activities or to send promotional materials to certain sections of the population, such as family members or superior customers will be.

In a variant of the different embodiments, the secondary terminal T2 is used in a community environment. This secondary terminal T2 can be used as a shared device. In fact, it may be conceivable to have functions (FCTi) that allow sharing between users. Such functionality (FCTi) may be linked to sharing privileges, such as the possibility of allowing a function room or hotel to benefit from privileged access, or to sharing money or a voucher. For example, it is possible to load monetary or sale vouchers or meal vouchers as a credit transaction on the second terminal T2 and transmit them to other secondary (T2), tertiary (T3) or main (T1) It is possible to do.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and / or modifications and / or combinations that may be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art may be made without departing from the inventive framework as defined by the appended claims, It will be understood that the invention may be practiced.

Claims (17)

As an assembly,
At least a first communication protocol (P1) capable of connecting a main terminal to a communication network (100) enabling the use of at least one function (FCTi), said main terminal to use at least one configuration program (PCONF) , Wherein the configuration program (PCONF) is configured such that at least one preferred function (FCTi) is selected and a code (CODEi) representing the selected preferred function is generated, , And a communication module (14) using a second communication protocol (P2)
The assembly having at least a passive communication module 20 using the second communication protocol P2 to communicate with the main terminal to store the code CODEi indicative of the selected preferred function Further comprising one secondary terminal (T2)
The secondary terminal is configured so that the passive communication module 20 is awakened and activated by an external power source from another terminal that also uses the second communication protocol P2 and that the secondary terminal T2 is in a communication range Wherein the other terminal is arranged to send a command to the other terminal in response to this activation and independently of the main terminal to cause the other terminal to perform the preferred function. The method according to claim 1,
And the terminal to which the secondary terminal (T2) communicates is the main terminal (T1). The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the terminal to which the secondary terminal (T2) communicates is a tertiary terminal (T3) having a communication circuit (30) using the second communication protocol (P2) in an active manner. The method according to claim 1,
Characterized in that the secondary terminal (T2) is in communication with at least one other secondary terminal (T2), and an intermediate terminal having an active communication circuit using the second communication protocol (P2) is used. The method according to claim 1,
The secondary terminal (T2) communicates with at least one other secondary terminal (T2)
Characterized in that each secondary terminal (T2) is provided with an additional supply circuit for the passive communication module (20). 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Wherein the preferred function (FCTi) is an information display function. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Wherein the preferred functionality (FCTi) is an application or action launch feature. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Wherein the first communication protocol (P1) is a protocol selected from the list comprising Bluetooth, GSM, EDGE, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, HSPA, xDSL or WiFi protocols. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Wherein said second communication protocol (P2) is any protocol that can be used in a passive communication module. 10. The method of claim 9,
And the second protocol (P2) is an NFC protocol. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Characterized in that the main terminal (T1) is a terminal comprising display devices (12) and control devices (13) and is a terminal selected from the following list:
A mobile phone, a computer, a tablet, or any device capable of using the configuration program (PCONF). 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
Wherein said secondary terminal (T2) is a terminal selected from the list comprising a clock, a wristband, an accessory, a clip-on pin or other type of wristband. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein said secondary terminal (T2) comprises display devices (27) and control devices (26). 13. The method of claim 12,
The terminal performing the preferred function (FCTi) may be any device (40) having a communication circuit using the second communication protocol (P2)
Wherein the communication circuit is an external circuit (41) connected to the device via an internal circuit or wire connection (42) of the device. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The secondary terminal and the main terminal are of the same type to form a single terminal,
Characterized in that the single terminal comprises a communication module (20) comprising at least an interface (24) using the first protocol (P1) and an interface (23) using the second communication protocol (P2) Assembly. A method of managing the preferred functions of an assembly (1)
At least a first communication protocol (P1) capable of connecting a main terminal to a communication network (100) enabling the use of at least one function, said main terminal comprising at least one configuration program (PCONF) (10) having a communication module (14) using the first communication protocol (P1), the configuration program (PCONF), and the second communication protocol (P2) , Said assembly further comprising at least one secondary terminal (T2) having a passive communication module (20) using said second communication protocol,
The method comprising:
- using the main terminal to connect to the communication network (100) via the configuration program (PCONF);
- selecting at least one preferred function via said configuration program (PCONF);
- generating a code (CODEi) representing the selected preferred function;
- transmitting said code (CODEi) representing said selected preferred function to a memory area of a communication module of said secondary terminal using an active communication module of said main terminal with said protocol (P2) 1) < / RTI > 17. The method of claim 16,
After transmission of a code CODE1 indicative of a preferred function selected as a memory area of the communication circuit of the second terminal, the method further comprises the step of the secondary terminal transmitting to the terminal equipped with the active communication module using the second communication protocol P2 Further comprising the step of transmitting a command associated with the preferred function when the terminal is approached, and allowing the terminal receiving such a command to perform the function. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > How to manage.

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